Newsletter

Top Ten Bible Verses Looked Up In 2018

January 1, 2019

Out of more than 920 million unique Bible searches conducted by visitors to Bible Gateway during 2018 by app, tablet, laptop, or desktop, the most popular verse for the year was Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse ranked second in 2016 to John 3:16.

The most popular keyword searched for on Bible Gateway during the year was “love“ in English and “amor“ in Spanish (a repeat of 2016).

English was the language of choice for users, followed by Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, and French (44% of our visitors were from outside the USA). People visited BibleGateway.com from a total of 241 countries or territories, including Vatican City, Israel, Palestine, China, Vietnam, Cuba, and North Korea. The top 10 countries visitors came from were the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Philippines, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Peru.

More women than men used Bible Gateway this year; visitors aged 25-34 were the largest age group; and people mostly used their desktops to access the Bible on Bible Gateway, followed by mobile and then tablet.

Continuing with the other nine most popular Bible verses in the top 10 list for 2018:

2. John 3:16 — For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (#1 in 2016)

3. Philippians 4:13 — I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (#3 in 2016)

4. Romans 8:28 — And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (#5 in 2016)

5. Psalm 23:4 — Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (#4 in 2016)

6. Romans 12:2 — Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (#12 in 2016)

7. Psalm 23:6 — Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (#7 in 2016)

9. Psalm 23:5 — You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (#8 in 2016)

10. Matthew 6:33 — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (#19 in 2016)

As we head into 2019 be assured God does have plans for your life - to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future – In Christ Jesus – The promise has actually already been delivered.

May these words from 1 Peter be a sources of comfort and strength as we enter a new year:

1 Peter 1:3-9, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Yours In Christ’s Service

Pastor Terry Grzybowski

pastorterry@nsatel.net

Member Update Information

No changes

Parish Planning Council (PPC) Meeting

No meeting in December

Guiding Hands Preschool

The month of December was a joyous time. The children loved singing all the Christmas songs and hearing the Christmas story. The children sang with some hesitation and some boldness, but thru out it all sang with joy about the birth of our Savior. Thank you, to all of the wonderful people who supported us at the preschool’s Christmas program. We also enjoyed having a birthday party and exchanging gifts with our friends.

I want to thank everyone you helped support our annual Christmas Bake Sale. Whether you donated baked goods, helped at the sale or bought baked goods, it was greatly appreciated.

During the month of January we will learn about God’s ever changing world. We will explore and discover things about our winter wonderland. We will learn how God protects us and all the animals during the season of cold.

We will be making our annual vegetable soup and sharing it with our families. It’s always good to share a warm bowl of soup with family and friends on a cold winter day.

Have a joyous beginning to the New Year and keep us and all people in your thoughts and prayers!

May God Bless,

Mrs. Cheryl

Updates from your Intern!

With the Christmas season in full spirit, I have been thinking a lot about gifts. No, not the gifts that we wrap with care and give to friends and family; I’ve been thinking about the gifts given to us by our Father in Heaven. The greatest gift we will ever receive is often forefront in my mind during Christmastime: eternal life and salvation through Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. Taking time to rest in the truth that we are saved and redeemed children of God is such a blessing in the busyness of this Advent season. In my moments of reflection and rest, I have been praying that God shows me the gifts He has given me and to give me opportunities to glorify Him by using those gifts. Being here at Emmanuel has helped me to see some of my strengths and some of my weaknesses. Both have helped me to better understand who God has made me to be as I continue living to serve Him through my brokenness and His grace. I’m so thankful to have such a gracious and supportive congregation to grow with on my internship so that I do have opportunity to discover the gifts I’ve been given, to grow in those, and to lift up others gifts as well! This busy Christmas season I want to encourage you to spend some time reflecting on the gifts God has given you and where He has placed you to glorify Him in your families, with your friends, at your place of work, in your community, and right here at Emmanuel.

One new way to use your gifts at Emmanuel is through the addition of a contemporary worship service! We are hoping to have this more blended service once a month starting in 2019. If you have questions or are interested in helping to lead worship through singing, playing instruments, or helping with sound, please reach out to Pastor Terry or me.

Merry Christmas!

Beth

Secret Pal

Inviting all women of Emmanuel to participate in a Secret Pal exchange for the next year. You will receive the name of your Pal along with their birthday, anniversary, interests and their address. Then during the upcoming year, you can pray for them and send them little notes of encouragement. Small gifts are optional. This is a fun opportunity to get to know someone in our congregation. Fill out the information slip and put it in the special flower box on the card counter. Deadline to enter will beSun., Jan. 20. You will receive your Pal the following week. We will reveal ourselves at the Christmas Potluck. Let the fun begin! And - Shhhhh! - it's a secret.

"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person." from Wisdom from the World According to Mister Rogers

Blood Donor Thank You!

For Giving Something that Means Something

Your willingness as donors to share this life saving gift is greatly appreciated! With your help we were able to donate 44 pints of blood in the month of December. Your support of this community blood drive will go a long way to continue replenishing blood supplies and ultimately saving lives.

A special thank you to those that worked at the Blood Drive.

Your help means so much too so many!

.

.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church — Voters’ Meeting

Sunday, December 9, 2018

(Draft document)

Present: Forty members of the Congregation signed in for this meeting.

The meeting was called to order by President David J. at approximately 9:40am.

Pastor G. opened the meeting with Scripture reading and prayer.

The primary purpose for today’s meeting is to review and approve the proposed 2019 Budget. New Business items were also discussed.

New Business:

Marking of handicapped spots — this is a property issue and given to Trustees.

Recruiting of Elders — George V. requested nomination of Bob W. as Elder. Val J. also nominated Chris W. to Youth Board at this time. John N. moved to accept both nominations, seconded by Paul B. approved.

DCE Intern supervisor from Concordia recently visited Emmanuel; this was a review of the work that Beth is doing, as well as a review of Emmanuel as an intern site. The supervisor was very pleased with Beth’s experiences at Emmanuel. It was noted that if we/Emmanuel Congregation saw ourselves as a teaching congregation, we could be considered annually as receiving an intern. The PPC decided at their November meeting to apply for another DCE Intern for next fall.

Still looking for a group of volunteers to work on re-design/remodeling of entrance and fellowship areas.

Budget:

Question: When does the Budget take effect? Answer: The Budget shared today is for the Calendar Year 2019.

Question: Is there any chance to have Budget meeting on a different Sunday so more members can participate? Note: A number of Sunday School teachers and others voiced this concern as they were not able to attend due to Christmas program practice at the same time. It was suggested that the Voters’ Meeting not be held in December. Answer: We will need to clarify as per Emmanuel’s Constitution and By-Laws. This discussion will be moved to the January Parish Planning Council (PPC) meeting.

Jim C. moved to accept the proposed Budget, seconded by Nicole K.; approved by those present.

The meeting closed with prayer lead by Pastor G. The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 am.

2019 OFFERING ENVELOPES

Please remember to use your 2019 offering envelopes beginning January 6th. Check your mailbox, if you did not receive envelopes and would like some; please contact Robin, our church secretary, 763-441-2555.

CARD COUNTER

A BIG THANK YOU to all who purchased your Christmas cards from the LWML Card Counter.

Please continue to support us the rest of the year too.

Did you know that this service is sponsored by our Lutheran Women’s Missionary League? The money that is earned goes to buying more cards as a service to you. But the money also goes to more than that. It allows us to help in other areas of ministry outreach.

Cards! Cards! Cards! Don't throw that out!

It sure is fun to be remembered by receiving a card, especially with a hand written note inside. But now that the occasion is over, what to do with them? Don't throw them away or put them in your recycle container! Cut off the front of the card and put it in the box by the card display at church. Make sure there are no personal messages on the back of it. We cannot accept Hallmark or Disney. These wonderful sentiments are repurposed by the Boys and Girls Ranch to make money for their organization. Please continue to 'shop' at Emmanuel for your card needs - baby, birthday, sympathy, etc. They're only $1! What a win-win situation! We supply your cards and take care of them when you are done with them! THANK YOU for supporting our card counter, the LWML, and the Ranch!!

Emmanuel’s Online Church Directory

Emmanuel’s Online Church Directory is in need of updates — new members, updated photos for all members.Watch for more information in the upcoming months on when and where photo opportunities will be offered.

Emmanuel’s Online Church Directory can be accessed by going to the following website:fotohausdirectory.com and entering your family’s User Name and Password.If you need your information, please leave written request in Marcia Engvall’s church mailbox.

.

.

.

4th Annual ‘Ground’ Hog Feast with Friends

It's coming up quick! The Feast will be here before you know it! This is a fundraiser for Open Doors for Youth and Abba Crisis Pregnancy and other LWML missions. Tickets will be on sale starting Sun., Jan. 13. Groundhog Day is Saturday this year. Plan to attend and bring a friend!

Sat., Feb. 2, 2019

5:30 - 7:30 PM

Adults - $8 ($10 at the door)

Children 5-12 - $5

Under 5 - Free

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy; Sausage, buns and Sauerkraut;

Fireside Potatoes; Fresh Fruit, Jello Cake

Additional Activities:

There will be fun and exciting crafts for children to create!

We will also have a continuous showing of the movie "Groundhog Day"

LWML

LUTHERAN WOMENS MISSIONARY LEAGUE

All Women Are Invited!

LWML provides a monthly gathering and fellowship opportunity for women. Each month we'll examine topics provided by LWML which address issues relevant to women of today.

Need to feel refreshed and strengthened in your faith?

Then come to one of our meetings. We would love to see you there!

We only meet one time a month - it's a new year, so let's join).

Afternoon Group: Thursday, January 3rd at 1 pm at Guardian Angels Nursing Home

Evening Group: Monday, January 7, at 6 pm - Wendy is hostess.

To all my beloved friends in Jesus Christ,

I pray that you all had a splendid Thanksgiving, and as we approach Christmas, I pray you would also have a blessed day celebrating the Birth of our Lord Jesus!

As you undoubtedly know, I have been on vicarage this year in Beardstown, Illinois at St. John’s Lutheran Church. I began on July 8, 2018 and will end about the same time next year, and does the time ever fly! This is an incredibly exciting time for me as I get to put into practice the skills that I’ve learned from my classes at Seminary.

One of the biggest tasks that is set before me right now is to help support our Spanish Mission at the church here, since I’m bilingual in Spanish. We are currently engaged in outreach activities like teaching English as a Second Language and offering worship services on Saturdays. It’s hard work, but well worth it – please pray that the Latino people in Beardstown are receptive to the gospel that we proclaim! Of course, I’m heavily engaged with the English-speaking congregation here. I preach every other weekend, and I have many other opportunities to do things like lead Bible studies throughout the week.

It’s an enormous blessing for me to have these opportunities, and as always, I’m ever grateful for your continued support of my studies even while I’m on vicarage. I don’t exaggerate when I say that I would not be able to do what I’m doing without your prayers and financial support, so thank you for all you do. Your love to me-the

cards you send, the kin\d words, and prayers of support, not to mention gifts-0are deeply treasured by me, as they constantly remind me why I’m doing this. Though the journey is joyful, it is hard and often can be lonely, since I’m so far from home, but your kindnesses to me make the journey bearable. Many blessings to you, and I look forward to seeing and hearing from you all.